Sharmin Akhter made it to the record books after becoming only the second player ever to be “retired out” in a Women’s T20 World Cup match. This happened during the Group A clash between India and Bangladesh in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Sharmin Akhter’s unique record

During the 18th over of the Bangladesh innings Bangladesh management pulled off a rare tactical call. They decided to call back Sharmin Akhter despite not being dismissed. Bangladesh permanently sacrificed her wicket to immediately send in power-hitter Ritu Moni. This strategic move was mainly done to give momentum to Bangladesh batting that required some big hits.

Nine days ago, England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt became the first player officially recorded as “retired out” in the tournament against Ireland. However, that was purely a medical precaution. With victory was practically in sight, she decided to sacrifice her wicket. In case of Sharmin, it was a tactical move. By choosing retired out, Bangladesh could send a power hitter in the death overs easily in place of a slow-scoring batter. Sharmin scored 10 off 12 balls before being retired out.

Also read: India Women eye bounce back against Bangladesh

India women restrict Bangladesh to a low score

 After electing to bat first, Bangladesh struggled from the beginning to break the shackles against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Opener Juairiya Ferdous top-scored with a gritty 33 runs. India’s left-arm spinner Radha Yadav ran through the Bangladesh middle order and destroyed any chance of recovery. She ended with impressive figures of 3/24. Nigar Sultana, the skipper was the other batter who tried to anchor the innings with 32 runs. Despite bringing in Ritu Moni in place of Akhter, she could add quick 8 runs that did not help Bangladesh much. Eventually, India kept it tight till the end, restricting Bangladesh to a total of 136/8.

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